America250
In April 2021, West Virginia established the Semiquincentennial Commission to coordinate statewide efforts commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding on July 4, 2026.
What This Means for Our Students
America250 presents a powerful opportunity for teaching and learning.
It invites students to connect the events of 1776 to the responsibilities of citizenship today and challenges them to examine how Americans across generations have worked - often imperfectly - to live up to founding ideals.
Through the study of the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the creation of West Virginia, students can explore sacrifice, continuity, and change within the world’s oldest democratic republic.
America250 encourages students not only to learn history, but to understand why it matters.
As stated in the Declaration of Independence, “To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.” America250 provides students the opportunity to do exactly that - by studying the past, examining evidence, and engaging thoughtfully with the ideas that continue to shape the American experiment.
Resources For Students
The WVDE is incorporating America250 as Special Categories in the Social Studies Fair and Arts Alive.
2026 Social Studies Fair
Research and present on America’s founding or West Virginia’s contributions as the new nation formed.
2026 Arts Alive
Create artwork depicting America’s founding or West Virginia’s contributions.
Resources for Teachers and Administrators
Note: These resources do not necessarily reflect the position of the WVDE.
Get Involved With America250
America250.org
Visit the America250 website for all relevant America250 activities across West Virginia including grant opportunies for educational events or initiatives that schools are eligible to apply for.
WV Tourism
Visit wvtourism.com for a full list of activities across the state.
America250 Flyer
Download our America250 flyer to print and display at your school.